Remotely adjustable reactive and resistive electrical elements and method

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and method that includes providing a variable-parameter electrical component in a high-field environment and based on an electrical signal, automatically moving a movable portion of the electrical component in relation to another portion of the electrical component to vary at least one of its parameters. In some embodiments, the moving uses a mechanical movement device (e.g., a linear positioner, rotary motor, or pump). In some embodiments of the method, the electrical component has a variable inductance, capacitance, and/or resistance. Some embodiments include using a computer that controls the moving of the movable portion of the electrical component in order to vary an electrical parameter of the electrical component. Some embodiments include using a feedback signal to provide feedback control in order to adjust and/or maintain the electrical parameter. Some embodiments include a non-magnetic positioner connected to an electrical component configured to have its RLC parameters varied by the positioner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/158,345 filed on Mar. 6, 2009,titled “REMOTELY ADJUSTABLE REACTIVE AND RESISTIVE ELECTRICAL ELEMENTSAND METHOD,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of variableresistance-inductance-capacitance (R-L-C) elements, and morespecifically to a method and apparatus of electrically controlling amechanical movement device (such as a linear positioner, rotary motor,or pump) that selectively controls an electrical element to vary, andmaintain at a selected value, its electrical resistance, inductance,and/or capacitance—and, in some embodiments, the components arecompatible with and function in high fields (such as a magnetic field ofup to and exceeding one tesla or even ten tesla or more and/or anelectric field of many thousands of volts per meter).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional electrical components that permitted one to varyresistance, inductance, and/or capacitance under electrical controltypically have somewhat limited component values available and are notcompatible with being located in high fields (e.g., the fields of 1tesla or more that are typically found in high-energy physicsexperiments such as the $9 billion Large Hadron Collider that has been20 years in making and is still being modified to be able to operate).

Low-power circuits can use varactors (electrically variable capacitors),field-effect transistors (used as variable gain elements or variableresistors) and like components that are directlyelectrically-adjustable, for use in adjusting frequency, impedance orother circuit characteristics and parameters, however such componentsare often unsuitable or inoperative in high fields.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,495,069 issued Dec. 17, 2002 to Lussey et al. titled“Polymer composition,” is incorporated herein by reference. Lussey etal. describe a polymer composition comprises at least one substantiallynon-conductive polymer and at least one electrically conductive fillerand in the form of granules. Their elastomer material was proposed fordevices for controlling or switching electric current, to avoid or limitdisadvantages such as the generation of transients and sparks which areassociated with the actuation of conventional mechanical switches. Theydescribed an electrical conductor composite providing conduction whensubjected to mechanical stress or electrostatic charge but electricallyinsulating when quiescent comprising a granular composition each granuleof which comprises at least one substantially non-conductive polymer andat least one electrically conductive filler and is electricallyinsulating when quiescent but conductive when subjected to mechanicalstress. They did not propose a means for electrically activating suchswitches.

There is a long-felt need for components having resistance, inductance,and/or capacitance values that are variable under electrical control andare compatible with being operated in extremely high electromagneticfields.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides resistors, inductors, capacitors, and/orantenna elements that have their electrical-circuit values controlled byone or more electrically controlled non-magnetic mechanical movementdevices (such as linear positioners or rotary motors (which move a solidmaterial), or pumps (which move a liquid or gas)). In some embodiments,the electrically controlled mechanical movement devices (such aspiezo-electrical linear motors, micro-electronic mechanical-system(MEMS) mechanical actuators or MEMS pumps) and other elements (which areused to make the resistors, inductors, capacitors, and/or antennaelements) include metals that have only substantially non-magneticcomponents such that the resistors, inductors, capacitors, robotic armsor similar mechanical devices, and/or antenna elements and themechanical positioner(s) or pump(s) that adjust their variable valuescan be placed and operated within and/or near an extremely high electricfield of many thousands of volts per meter (such as connected to oraffecting electricity-transmission lines carrying hundreds of thousandsof volts and very large currents), or extremely-high magnetic field suchas within the very strong superconducting-wire magnets of high-energyparticle-physics experiments (such as the Large Hadron Collider) orwithin magnets of a magnetic-resonance imaging machines, or during andafter an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) from a nuclear event.

In other embodiments, the present invention provides the ability toadjust very sensitive circuits that do not involve high fields, butinstead involve very low fields (such as within completely enclosedFaraday cages (which block low-frequency external fields) havingradio-frequency (RF) shielding (which block high-frequency externalfields) that are measuring very small parameters such as extremelylow-voltage circuits where the presence of a person or magneticmechanical movement device (such as a magnetic linear positioner, rotarymotor, or pump) would change the field, but which use the mechanicalmovement device(s) to adjust the configuration of RLC(resistive-inductive-capacitive) components without modifying fields orintroducing extraneous capacitances or inductances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a variable capacitor subsystem 101 havinga variable capacitor 110 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a variable capacitor subsystem 102 havinga variable capacitor 120 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein variable capacitor 102 is set to a first capacitancevalue.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of variable capacitor subsystem 102 as wasshown in FIG. 1B, but wherein variable capacitor 120 is set to a secondcapacitance value.

FIG. 1D is a block diagram of a variable capacitor subsystem 103 havinga variable capacitor 130 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein variable capacitor 130 is set to a first capacitancevalue.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a variable inductor subsystem 201 having avariable inductor 210 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein variable inductor 201 is set to a first inductancevalue.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of variable inductor subsystem 201 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable inductor210 is set to a second inductance value.

FIG. 2C is a block diagram of a variable inductor subsystem 203 having avariable inductor 230 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein variable inductor 203 is set to a first inductancevalue.

FIG. 2D is a block diagram of variable inductor subsystem 203 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable inductor230 is set to a second inductance value.

FIG. 2E is a block diagram of a variable inductor subsystem 205according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableinductor 250 is set to a first inductance value.

FIG. 2F is a block diagram of variable inductor subsystem 205 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable inductor250 is set to a second inductance value.

FIG. 2G is a block diagram of a variable inductor subsystem 207according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableinductor 270 is set to a first inductance value.

FIG. 2H is a block diagram of variable inductor subsystem 207 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable inductor270 is set to a second inductance value.

FIG. 2 i is a block diagram of a variable-position inductor subsystem208 according to one embodiment of the present invention, whereinvariable-position inductor 280 is set to a first position.

FIG. 2J is a block diagram of variable-position inductor subsystem 208according to one embodiment of the present invention, whereinvariable-position inductor 280 is set to a second position.

FIG. 2K is a block diagram of a variable-shape inductor subsystem 209according to one embodiment of the present invention, whereinvariable-shape inductor 290 is set to a first shape.

FIG. 2L is a block diagram of variable-shape inductor subsystem 209according to one embodiment of the present invention, whereinvariable-shape inductor 290 is set to a second shape.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a variable resistor subsystem 301according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableresistor 320 is set to a first resistance value.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of variable resistor subsystem 301 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable resistor320 is set to a second resistance value.

FIG. 3C is a block diagram of a variable resistor subsystem 303according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableresistor 330 is set to a first resistance value.

FIG. 3D is a block diagram of variable resistor subsystem 303 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable resistor330 is set to a second resistance value.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of a variable resistor-inductor-capacitorsubsystem 401 according to one embodiment of the present invention,wherein variable resistor 320 is set to a first resistance value,variable inductor 230 is set to a first inductance value, and variablecapacitor 120 is set to a first capacitance value.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of variable resistor-inductor-capacitorsubsystem 401 according to one embodiment of the present invention,wherein variable resistor 320 is set to a second resistance value,variable inductor 230 is set to a second inductance value, and variablecapacitor 120 is set to a second capacitance value.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a variable resistor-inductor-capacitorsubsystem 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention,wherein variable resistor 503 is set to a first resistance value,variable inductor 502 is set to a first inductance value, and variablecapacitor 501 is set to a first capacitance value.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an entire system 600 according to oneembodiment of the present invention, wherein variable electricalcomponents of circuits 99A and/or 99B are controlled to parameters setby controller 601.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of an impedance-matched high-frequencycircuit 700 according to one embodiment of the present invention, andhaving an external impedance disturbance 66 having a first effect oncircuit 700.

FIG. 7B is a block diagram of impedance-matched high-frequency circuit700, and having a different external impedance disturbance 66′ having asecond effect on circuit 700.

FIG. 8A is a block diagram of a variable antenna subsystem 801 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable antenna 810is set to a first length.

FIG. 8B is a block diagram of variable antenna subsystem 801 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable antenna 810is set to a second length.

FIG. 8C is a block diagram of a variable antenna array subsystem 802according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableantenna array 820 is set to a first spacing.

FIG. 8D is a block diagram of variable antenna array subsystem 802according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableantenna array 820 is set to a second spacing.

FIG. 8E is a block diagram of a variable antenna array subsystem 803according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableantenna array 830 is set to a first length.

FIG. 8F is a block diagram of variable antenna array subsystem 803according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableantenna array 830 is set to a second length.

FIG. 8G is a block diagram of an antenna array subsystem 806 having oneor more active-variable-antenna element subsystems 804 and/or one ormore passive-variable-antenna element subsystems 805 according to oneembodiment of the present invention, wherein active-variable-antennaelement subsystems 804 is set to a first impedance-frequency value andpassive-variable-antenna element subsystems 805 is set to a secondimpedance-frequency value.

FIG. 8G1 is a circuit diagram of antenna array subsystem 806 having oneor more active-variable-antenna element subsystems 804 and/or one ormore passive-variable-antenna element subsystems 805 according to oneembodiment of the present invention (such as shown in FIG. 8G).

FIG. 8H is a block diagram of variable antenna array subsystem 807according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableantenna array 870 is set to a first dielectric configuration.

FIG. 8 i is a block diagram of variable antenna array subsystem 807according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableantenna array 870 is set to a second dielectric configuration.

FIG. 8J is a block diagram of variable antenna array subsystem 808having a reconfigurable dielectric fluid according to one embodiment ofthe present invention, wherein variable antenna array 880 is set to afirst dielectric-fluid configuration.

FIG. 8K is a block diagram of variable antenna array subsystem 809having a reconfigurable dielectric fluid according to one embodiment ofthe present invention, wherein variable antenna array 890 is set to afirst dielectric-fluid configuration.

FIG. 8L is a block diagram of a variable antenna subsystem 811 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable antenna 891is set to a first length.

FIG. 8M is a block diagram of a variable antenna subsystem 813 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable antenna 893is set to a first length.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of feedback-controlled system 901 having oneor more variable-RLC, antenna, robotics, gain, ω, λ, φ, and the likeelements in a circuit 920, controlled by a feedback circuit 930according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method 1000 according to some embodiments ofthe invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Although the following detailed description contains many specifics forthe purpose of illustration, a person of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that many variations and alterations to the following detailsare within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the followingpreferred embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss ofgenerality to, and without imposing limitations upon the claimedinvention. Further, in the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawingsthat form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrationspecific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It isunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The leading digit(s) of reference numbers appearing in the Figuresgenerally corresponds to the Figure number in which that component isfirst introduced, such that the same reference number is used throughoutto refer to an identical component which appears in multiple Figures.Signals and connections may be referred to by the same reference numberor label, and the actual meaning will be clear from its use in thecontext of the description.

As used herein, a non-magnetic mechanical movement device is anyelectrically-controlled device (such as a linear positioner, rotarymotor, or pump) made of materials that do not move (or move to asubstantially negligible amount) due to a high magnetic field whensubjected to the high magnetic field. Such devices can be placed withinthe high magnetic field of a magnetic-resonance machine or thesuperconducting magnet of a particle accelerator without the danger ofthe device moving due to the magnetic field and/or without theundesirable result of changing the magnetic field due to their presence.In many of the descriptions herein, the term “motor” (such as motor 140)will be used as an example of such a non-magnetic mechanical movementdevice, however one of skill in the art will recognize that in otherembodiments, the “motor” can be implemented as a linear or rotary motordevice using suitable linkages, or as a pump that uses a liquid orpneumatic fluid to effectuate the described movement.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a variable capacitor subsystem 101 havinga variable capacitor 110 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. In some embodiments, variable capacitor system 101 controlsvariable capacitor 110, which includes a first plate 111 and a secondplate 112 that together form a capacitor having a capacitancesubstantially proportional to the overlapping area A between the platesand inversely proportional to the distance d between the plates (andalso dependent on the permittivity ∈ of any material between theplates). In some embodiments, plate 112 is substantially parallel toplate 111 (such that C=∈A/d where in a vacuum, ∈₀=8.85 pF/m, which isapproximately the same permittivity as in air). In the embodiment shown,a non-magnetic mechanical movement device (e.g., motor or pump) 140 isused to vary the distance d between the plates. In some embodiments,plate 111 is affixed to a fixed location 113, while the other plate 112is connected to a movable connecting rod 141, which is moved to adesired position by motor 140 (in some embodiments, a linear motor, andin some such embodiments, a piezoelectric motor 140) under the controlof motor controller 145. In some embodiments, a feedback signal 146 isused by motor controller 145 to control the position. In someembodiments, electrical circuit 99 uses the variable capacitor 110 aspart of its circuitry (e.g., to set a frequency, phase,gain/attenuation, temporal properties, spatial properties (the shape ofmagnetic or electric fields), pulse width or othercapacitance-controlled parameter). In some embodiments, electricalcircuit 99 generates feedback signal 146 (e.g., as negative feedback tostabilize the circuit at a given set of parameters). In someembodiments, motor 140 is also affixed to a set location 143 relative tolocation 113. In some embodiments, connecting rod 141 is connected tomovable plate 112 using a mechanically advantaged linkage such as alever (e.g., such as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B below).

In some embodiments, electric circuit 99 (as shown in any of the figuresherein) includes a detector that measures or senses one or moreparameters (such as capacitance, complex impedance (such as the real andimaginary components of impedance or the magnitude and phase angle),frequency, voltage-standing-wave ratio (VSWR) or other suitableparameter), and automatically adjusts the parameter (e.g., capacitance)value of the adjustable component (e.g., variable capacitor 110) toobtain a desired value(s) for the parameter(s). In some embodiments, theadjustment is part of a feedback loop (e.g., to stabilize, maximize orminimize a signal) in an analog circuit.

In some embodiments, circuit 99 is connected to the variable componentby a transmission line 119 having a characteristic impedance. In someembodiments, the variable capacitor subsystem 101 is adjusted such thatthe impedance of circuit 99 at its connection to transmission line 119is matched to the characteristic impedance of transmission line 119, andsuch that the variable component (e.g., variable capacitor 110 and theother components or effective equivalent resistance, inductance andcapacitance) have matched impedances. For example, in some embodiments,the circuit 99 includes a transmitter having an output impedance of 50ohms, the transmission line 119 has a characteristic impedance of 50ohms, and at the frequency of interest, capacitor 110 (and any antennaor other elements or parasitic resistance-inductance-capacitance) has acharacteristic impedance of 50 ohms. Of course the characteristicimpedance can have other values in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, the parameter adjustment is programmable and asuitable computer program uses computer-readable instructions from acomputer-readable medium to control a method that automatically adjuststhe parameter value.

In some embodiments, a plurality of adjustable non-magnetic components,such as that shown in FIG. 1A and/or any of the other Figures herein,are combined in a single system, and the parameter(s) of each areiteratively adjusted (i.e., the first component is adjusted, then thesecond component (and optionally further components) are then adjustedin sequence (or optionally two or more are simultaneously adjusted),then the first component is again adjusted, then the second component(and optionally further components) are then again adjusted (oroptionally two or more are again simultaneously adjusted) in aniterative sequence) in order to obtain an improved or optimumcharacteristic (such as frequency response, distance, range, directionof a transmitted or received radio signal and/or other like parametersto obtain a desired result (such as image quality)).

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a variable capacitor system 102 havingvariable capacitor 120 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein variable capacitor 120 is set to a first capacitancevalue. In some embodiments, variable capacitor 120 includes a first setof parallel plates 121 and a second set of parallel plates 122 thattogether form a capacitor having a capacitance substantiallyproportional to the overlapping area A between the plates and inverselyproportional to the distance d between the plates (and also dependent onthe permittivity ∈ of any material between the plates). In someembodiments, the horizontal plates of set of parallel plates 122 isinterleaved substantially parallel to the horizontal plates of set ofparallel plates 121 (such that C=∈A/d where in a vacuum, ∈₀=8.85 pF/m,which is approximately the same permittivity as in air). In theembodiment shown, motor 140 is used to vary the area A overlappedbetween the plates. In some embodiments, the set of parallel plates 121is affixed to a fixed location 113, while the other set of parallelplates 122 is connected to a movable connecting rod 141, which is movedto a desired position by motor 140 (in some embodiments, a linear motor,and in some such embodiments, a piezoelectric motor 140) under thecontrol of motor controller 145. In some embodiments, a feedback signal146 is used by motor controller 145 to control the position. In someembodiments, electrical circuit 99 uses the variable capacitor 120 aspart of its circuitry (e.g., to set a frequency or pulse width or othercapacitance-controlled parameter). In some embodiments, electricalcircuit 99 generates feedback signal 146 (e.g., as negative feedback tostabilize the circuit at a given set of parameters). In someembodiments, motor 140 is also affixed to a set location 143 relative tolocation 113. In some embodiments, connecting rod 141 is connected tomovable set of parallel plates 122 using a mechanically advantagedlinkage such as a lever (e.g., such as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4Bbelow). In some embodiments, the mechanical linkage is configured toproduce a non-linear change in capacitance per change in position of rod141 (in some embodiments, the capacitance per unit rod movement is afunction of position (such as to produce a logarithmic capacitancescale). In some embodiments, motor controller 145 produces a non-linearrelationship between a value of signal 146 and the capacitance obtainedby moving rod 141 according to some predetermined function, equation, orlook-up table. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1B, the value of thecapacitance is relatively low due to the small amount of overlapped areabetween set of parallel plates 121 and set of parallel plates 122.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of variable capacitor system 102 as was shownin FIG. 1B, but wherein variable capacitor 120 is set to a secondcapacitance value. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1B, the value ofthe capacitance is relatively high due to the large amount of overlappedarea between set of parallel plates 121 and set of parallel plates 122.

FIG. 1D is a block diagram of a variable capacitor system 103 having avariable capacitor 130 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein variable capacitor 130 is set to a first capacitancevalue. In some embodiments, connecting rod 141 moves a block or sheet ofdielectric material 133 (e.g., in some embodiments, a high-K dielectricmaterial (i.e., a dielectric material having a high dielectric constant,K)) by a variable amount into or out of the air space separating theplates 132 and 131 of variable capacitor 130. The varied area of high-Kdielectric material 133 located between the plates 132 and 131 based onthe position of connecting rod 141 and the varied remaining area betweenthe plates 132 and 131 that does not have the high-K dielectric material133 thus varies the effective overall or distributed dielectric constantbetween the plates, thus varying the capacitance. In some embodiments,the block or sheet of dielectric material 133 has a variable thickness,such that in a first position of connecting rod 141 a first thickness ofdielectric material 133 is between the plates 131 and 132 and in asecond position of connecting rod 141 a second thickness of dielectricmaterial 133 is between the plates 131 and 132, thus varying thecapacitance of variable capacitor 130. In some embodiments, dielectricmaterial 133 is ramp shaped (having a longitudinal cross-sectionthickness that gradually increases in a straight or curved ramp from oneend to the other), stepped (having a longitudinal cross-sectionthickness that increases in one or more steps from one end to theother), or is convex, concave or otherwise curved (having a longitudinalcross-section thickness that increases and then decreases from one endto the other, or that decreases and then increases from one end to theother, or that has some other desired shape). In other embodiments,numerous other thickness or area-shape or dielectric variations are usedfor dielectric material 133.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a variable inductor subsystem 201according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableinductor 210 is set to a first inductance value. In some embodiments,variable inductor 210 includes a coil 221 having a plurality of N turnsin a length l and a cross-sectional area of A (and also dependent on thepermeability constant μ of any material within the field of the coil221). In some embodiments, the inductance is substantially L=(μN²A)/l,where the value μ is dependent on the material, position and size of thecore 222). In the embodiment shown, motor 140 is used to vary theposition of the core 222 (which has a permeability or permittivity thataffects inductance of the inductor or reactance of the entirestructure), withdrawing it to reduce the inductance and inserting thecore to increase the inductance. In some embodiments, coil 221 isaffixed (e.g., at both ends) to a fixed mechanical location 223, whilethe core 222 is connected to a movable connecting rod 141, which ismoved to a desired position by motor 140 (in some embodiments, a linearmotor, and in some such embodiments, a piezoelectric motor 140) underthe control of motor controller 145. (Of course, other embodiments maychoose to attach the coil 221 to the connecting rod 141 and to attachthe core 222 to a fixed location.) In some embodiments, a feedbacksignal 146 is used by motor controller 145 to control the position. Insome embodiments, electrical circuit 99 uses the variable inductor 210as part of its circuitry (e.g., to set a frequency or pulse width orother inductance-controlled parameter). In some embodiments, electricalcircuit 99 generates feedback signal 146 (e.g., as negative feedback tostabilize the circuit at a given set of parameters). In someembodiments, motor 140 is also affixed to a set location 143 relative tolocation 223. In some embodiments, connecting rod 141 is connected tocore 222 using a mechanically advantaged linkage such as a lever (e.g.,such as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B below). In some embodiments, motorcontroller 145 produces a non-linear relationship between a value ofsignal 146 and the inductance obtained by moving rod 141 according tosome predetermined function, equation, or look-up table. In theconfiguration shown in FIG. 2A, the value of the inductance isrelatively low (i.e., lower than when the core is in the position shownin FIG. 2B) due to the small amount of overlapped length between coil221 and core 222.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of variable inductor subsystem 201, whereinvariable inductor 210 is set to a second inductance value. In theconfiguration shown in FIG. 2B, the value of the inductance isrelatively high (i.e., higher than when the core is in the positionshown in FIG. 2A) due to the large amount of overlapped length betweencoil 221 and core 222.

FIG. 2C is a block diagram of a variable inductor subsystem 203according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableinductor 230 is set to a first inductance value. In some embodiments,variable inductor 230 includes a coil 224 having a plurality of N turnsin a length l and a cross-sectional area of A (and also dependent on thepermeability constant μ of any material within the field of the coil221). In some embodiments, the inductance is substantially L=(μ₀N²A)/l,where the value μ₀=4π×10 ⁻⁷ H/m is permeability of free space, whichsubstantially equals that of air). In the embodiment shown, motor 140 isused to vary the length of coil 224. In some embodiments, one end ofcoil 224 is affixed (e.g., at only one end) to a fixed location 223,while the other end of coil 224 is connected to a movable connecting rod141, which is moved to a desired position by motor 140 (in someembodiments, a linear motor, and in some such embodiments, apiezoelectric motor 140) under the control of motor controller 145. Insome embodiments, the coil 224 is wrapped on an elastomeric support core(or one side of each turn is connected to an elastomeric supportsubstrate), such that the spacings between turns remains proportional tothe length l of the coil 224. In some embodiments, a feedback signal 146is used by motor controller 145 to control the position. In someembodiments, electrical circuit 99 uses the variable inductor 230 aspart of its circuitry (e.g., to set a frequency or pulse width or otherinductance-controlled parameter). In some embodiments, electricalcircuit 99 generates feedback signal 146 (e.g., as negative feedback tostabilize the circuit at a given set of parameters). In someembodiments, motor 140 is also affixed to a set location 143 relative tolocation 223. In some embodiments, connecting rod 141 is connected tothe movable end of coil 224 using a mechanically advantaged linkage suchas a lever (e.g., such as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B below). In someembodiments, motor controller 145 produces a non-linear relationshipbetween a value of signal 146 and the inductance obtained by moving rod141 according to some predetermined function, equation, or look-uptable. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2C, the value of theinductance is relatively low (i.e., lower than when the inductor 230 isclosely spaced as in the position shown in FIG. 2D) due to the extendedlength of coil 224 and thus the smaller amount of flux linkage througheach turn.

FIG. 2D is a block diagram of variable inductor subsystem 203 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable inductor230 is set to a second inductance value. In the configuration shown inFIG. 2D, the value of the inductance is relatively high (i.e., higherthan when the inductor 230 is spread out as in the position shown inFIG. 2C) due to the shortened length of coil 224 and thus the largeramount of flux linkage through each turn.

FIG. 2E is a block diagram of a variable inductor subsystem 205according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableinductor 250 is set to a first inductance value. In some suchembodiments, the number of loops of coil 251 is varied (e.g., by using asliding contactor 257 that makes an electrical connection to differentloops of coil 251 as connecting rod 141 is moved by motor 140). In thepresent position of connecting rod 141 shown in FIG. 2E, about eight (8)loops are between connector 257 at the left end of the coil 251 and theelectrical connection 256 at the right end of coil 251 next to itsmechanical connection at fixed mechanical location 223. In someembodiments, the left end of the coil 251 is mechanically connected tofixed location 227, and in some such embodiments, the left end of thecoil 251 also has an electrical connection 258 (e.g., to an electricalground), and in the present position of connecting rod 141 shown in FIG.2E about one-half (0.5) loop is between connector 257 near the left endof the coil 251 and the electrical connection 258 (e.g., to ground) atthe far left end of coil 251 next to its mechanical connection at fixedmechanical location 227. Note that in some embodiments, electricalconnection 258 is omitted and a single set of loops of coil 251 are inthe circuit (between connection 257 and connection 256 connected toelectrical circuit 99, while in other embodiments, electrical connection258 is included (e.g., connected to ground or some other node in circuit99) and two coupled sets of loops of coil 251 are in the circuit (afirst set of loops between connection 257 and connection 256 connectedto electrical circuit 99, and a second set of loops between connection257 and connection 258 connected to ground or some other node inelectrical circuit 99).

FIG. 2F is a block diagram of variable inductor subsystem 205 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable inductor250 is set to a second inductance value. This system is substantiallythe same as that shown in FIG. 2E, except that the connecting rod 141 isin a different position that changes the inductance value(s) due to thedifferent number of loops of the coil as determined by wiper 257. In thealternate position of connecting rod 141 shown in FIG. 2F, about four(4) loops are between connector 257 near the middle of the coil 251 andthe electrical connection 256 at the right end of coil 251 next to itsmechanical connection at fixed mechanical location 223. In someembodiments, the left end of the coil 251 is mechanically connected tofixed location 227, and in some such embodiments, the left end of thecoil 251 also has an electrical connection 258 (e.g., to an electricalground), and in the alternate position of connecting rod 141 shown inFIG. 2F about four-and-a-half (4.5) loops are between connector 257 nearthe middle of the coil 251 and the electrical connection 258 (e.g., toground) at the far left end of coil 251 next to its mechanicalconnection at fixed mechanical location 227. Thus, in some embodiments,a variable differential coil 250 is provided.

FIG. 2G is a block diagram of a variable inductor subsystem 207according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableinductor 270 is set to a first inductance value and a first spatialorientation (e.g., elongated left-to-right in FIG. 2G). By varying theposition of coil-squeezing bar 272, the shape of the loops of coil 271can be varied (e.g., from elongate left-to-right, to circular, and toelongate up-to-down), which varies both the inductance and the spatialshape of the magnetic field that is transmitted if a transmitted signalis sent to the coil 271 from circuit 99, and/or the magnetic field thatis detected if the signal from the coil 271 is received by theelectrical circuit 99. In some embodiments, the coil 99 is usedsimultaneously to both transmit and receive an AC magnetic signal,wherein the magnitude and phase angle of the received signal is detectedby applying the transmitted signal through a known impedance (such as aresistor) and then subtracting the signal at the coil from the originaltransmitted signal and subtracting the signal at the coil from aquadrature phase version of the transmitted signal, and then multiplyingthe two difference values by each other, as is well known in the art(e.g., see U.S. Pat. No. 6,636,037 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,002,251, both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference).

FIG. 2H is a block diagram of variable inductor subsystem 207 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable inductor270 is set to a second inductance value and a second spatial orientation(e.g., elongated up-to-down in FIG. 2G). In some embodiments, the secondinductance (from FIG. 2H) is the same as the first inductance (from FIG.2G), but the spatial shape and/or direction of the magnetic field hasbeen changed. In other embodiments, both the inductance and the spatialshape are varied.

FIG. 2 i is a block diagram of a variable-position inductor subsystem208 according to one embodiment of the present invention, whereinvariable-position inductor 280 is set to a first position (e.g., suchthat the direction of the AC magnetic is upper-right-to-lower-left inFIG. 2 i). In some embodiments, the second inductance (from FIG. 2J) isthe same as the first inductance (from FIG. 2 i), but the spatialdirection of the magnetic field has been changed.

FIG. 2J is a block diagram of variable-position inductor subsystem 208according to one embodiment of the present invention, whereinvariable-position inductor 280 is set to a second position (e.g., suchthat the direction of the AC magnetic is upper-left-to-lower-right inFIG. 2 i). In some embodiments, the second inductance (from FIG. 2J) isthe same as the first inductance (from FIG. 2 i), but the spatialdirection of the magnetic field has been varied.

FIG. 2K is a block diagram of a variable-shape inductor subsystem 209according to one embodiment of the present invention, whereinvariable-shape inductor 290 is set to a first shape. This configurationis substantially similar to that of FIG. 2G, except that the number ofloops of coil 290 is just one in some embodiments.

FIG. 2L is a block diagram of variable-shape inductor subsystem 209according to one embodiment of the present invention, whereinvariable-shape inductor 290 is set to a second shape. This configurationis substantially similar to that of FIG. 2H, except that the number ofloops of coil 290 is just one in some embodiments. In some embodiments,the second inductance (from FIG. 2L) is the same as the first inductance(from FIG. 2K), but the spatial shape and/or direction of the magneticfield has been changed. In other embodiments, both the inductance andthe spatial shape are varied.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a variable resistor subsystem 301according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableresistor 320 is set to a first resistance value. In some embodiments,variable resistor 320 includes a resistive element 321 having aresistance r per unit length, and a conductive wiper 322 configured tomove along the length of and to contact resistive element 321 at aplurality of locations. In some embodiments, the wiping motion providesa smoothly continuous plurality of locations for the location of contactand the length l for the resistor, and thus a smoothly continuousplurality of resistances. In some embodiments, the resistance betweenwiper 322 and the left end 324 is substantially R=rl, where the length lis dependent on the position of wiper 322 relative to the left end, andthe resistance between wiper 322 and the left end 324 is substantiallyR=r(L−l) where L is the entire resistance length between left endelectrical contact 324 and right end electrical contact 325. In someembodiments, the resistance per unit length is a function of position(such as to produce a logarithmic resistance scale). In the embodimentshown, motor 140 is used to vary the position of the wiper 322, movingit left to decrease the resistance to the left end and increase theresistance to the right end, while conversely moving it right toincrease the resistance to the left end and decrease the resistance tothe right end. In some embodiments, resistive element 321 is affixed(e.g., at both ends) to a fixed location 323, while the wiper 322 isconnected to a movable connecting rod 141, which is moved to a desiredposition by motor 140 (in some embodiments, a linear motor, and in somesuch embodiments, a piezoelectric motor 140) under the control of motorcontroller 145. In some embodiments, a feedback signal 146 is used bymotor controller 145 to control the position. (Of course, otherembodiments may choose to attach the resistive element 321 to theconnecting rod 141 making the resistive element 321 movable, and toattach the wiper 322 to a fixed location.) In some embodiments,electrical circuit 99 uses the variable resistor 320 as part of itscircuitry (e.g., to set a frequency or pulse width, to control a gain,or other resistance-controlled parameter). In some embodiments,electrical circuit 99 generates feedback signal 146 (e.g., as negativefeedback to stabilize the circuit at a given set of parameters). In someembodiments, motor 140 is also affixed to a set location 143 relative tolocation 323. In some embodiments, connecting rod 141 is connected towiper 322 using a mechanically advantaged linkage such as a lever (e.g.,such as shown for the variable inductor or variable capacitor in FIG. 4Aand FIG. 4B below). In some embodiments, motor controller 145 produces anon-linear relationship between a value of signal 146 and the resistanceobtained by moving rod 141 according to some predetermined function,equation, or look-up table. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3A, thevalue of the resistance between wiper 322 and left end 324 is relativelylow due to the small resistance length between wiper 322 and left end324, while the value of the resistance between wiper 322 and right end325 is relatively high due to the larger resistance length between wiper322 and right end 325. Thus, in some embodiments, variable resistor 320forms a three-connection (i.e., connections 322, 324 and 325)potentiometer. In other embodiments, only two connections (e.g.,connections 322 and 325) are used.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of variable resistor subsystem 301 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable resistor320 is set to a second resistance value. In the configuration shown inFIG. 3B, the value of the resistance between wiper 322 and left end 324is relatively high due to the larger resistance length between wiper 322and left end 324, while the value of the resistance between wiper 322and right end 325 is relatively low due to the smaller resistance lengthbetween wiper 322 and right end 325.

FIG. 3C is a block diagram of a variable resistor subsystem 303according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableresistor 330 is set to a first resistance value. In some embodiments,variable resistor 330 includes an elasto-resistive element 331 having aresistance R that varies as the length of elasto-resistive element 331is stretched or compressed, and which provides a smoothly continuousplurality of resistances, or a substantially-off/substantially-on switchbehavior. In some embodiments, elasto-resistive element 331 is made ofnon-magnetic materials in order to avoid being affected by high magneticfields. In some embodiments, an elastomeric material such as describedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,495,069 that issued Dec. 17, 2002 to Lussey et al.titled “POLYMER COMPOSITION,” which is incorporated herein by reference.In the embodiment shown, motor 140 is used to move connecting rod 141 tovary the length of (or vary the compression on) elasto-resistive element331, moving it left to increase the resistance to the right end, whileconversely moving it right to decrease the resistance to the right end.In some embodiments, one end of elasto-resistive element 331 is affixed(e.g., at its right-hand end) to a fixed location 323, while the otherend of elasto-resistive element 331 is connected to a movable connectingrod 141, which is moved to a desired position by motor 140 (in someembodiments, a linear motor, and in some such embodiments, apiezoelectric motor 140) under the control of motor controller 145. Insome embodiments, a feedback signal 146 is used by motor controller 145to control the position. In some embodiments, electrical circuit 99 usesthe variable resistor 330 as part of its circuitry (e.g., to set afrequency or pulse width, to control a gain, or otherresistance-controlled parameter). In some embodiments, electricalcircuit 99 generates feedback signal 146 (e.g., as negative feedback tostabilize the circuit at a given set of parameters). In someembodiments, motor 140 is also affixed to a set location 143 relative tolocation 323. In some embodiments, connecting rod 141 is connected tothe movable end of elasto-resistive element 331 using a mechanicallyadvantaged linkage such as a lever (e.g., such as shown for the variableinductor or variable capacitor in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B below). In someembodiments, motor controller 145 produces a non-linear relationshipbetween a value of signal 146 and the resistance obtained by moving rod141 according to some predetermined function, equation, or look-uptable. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3C, the value of theresistance between the movable left end 326 and the fixed right end 325is relatively high due to stretching of (or lack of compression on)elasto-resistive element 331.

FIG. 3D is a block diagram of variable resistor 303 according to oneembodiment of the present invention, wherein variable resistor 330 isset to a second resistance value. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3D,the value of the resistance between the movable left end 326 and thefixed right end 325 is relatively low due to non-stretching of (or thecompression on) elasto-resistive element 331.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of a variable resistor-inductor-capacitordevice 401 according to one embodiment of the present invention, whereinvariable resistor 320 is set to a first resistance value, variableinductor 230 is set to a first inductance value, and variable capacitor120 is set to a first capacitance value. In some embodiments, a singlepiezoelectric motor 140 is linked to simultaneously control a pluralityof variable elements as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B (which may providelower cost and a smaller less-massive footprint), while in otherembodiments, separate piezoelectric motors 140 are used to control eachof a plurality of individual RLC and/or antenna element separately (asshown in FIGS. 1A-3D described above and FIGS. 8A-8M described below))(which may have a high cost and a larger more-massive footprint, butprovides greater programmability and individual adjustments of thevarious parameters). In some embodiments, device 401 includes a leverarm 449 connected to a fixed position at a pivot point 448. In someembodiments, a plurality of connecting arms 445 are attached to one ormore leverage points on level arm 449, in order that the movement ofmotor connecting rod 141 can provide different amounts of movement toeach of a plurality of variable electrical components, such as capacitor120, inductor 230 and resistor 320. In the embodiment shown, capacitor120 is provided the greatest movement per unit of motion of motorconnecting rod 141, inductor 230 a middle amount of movement per unit ofmotion of motor connecting rod 141 and resistor 320 (in this case,directly connected to motor connecting rod 141) the least amount ofmovement per unit of motion of motor connecting rod 141. Note also thatsome components can be attached to receive a compression motion usingthe same movement of motor connecting rod 141 that provides an expansionmotion to other elements (note capacitor 120 is compressed (increasingcapacitance) while inductor 230 is extended (decreasing inductance) whenmotor connecting rod 141 moves left, and capacitor 120 is extended(decreasing capacitance) while inductor 230 is compressed (increasinginductance) when motor connecting rod 141 moves right). Further, theproportions of change can be varied using simple levers or by using morecomplex mechanical embodiments such as four-arm devices and the like.

In the embodiment shown, motor 140 is used to vary the position of thewiper 322 to vary the resistance, to change the amount of area ofcapacitor 120 to vary the capacitance, and to stretch or compress coil230 to vary the inductance, each via a single movable connecting rod141, which is moved to a desired position by motor 140 (in someembodiments, a linear motor, and in some such embodiments, apiezoelectric motor 140) under the control of motor controller 145. Insome embodiments, a feedback signal 146 is used by motor controller 145to control the position. In some embodiments, electrical circuit 99 usesthe variable resistor 320, variable inductor 230 and variable capacitor120 as part of an RLC (resistive-inductive-capacitive) part of itscircuitry (e.g., to set a frequency or pulse width, change a Q (quality)factor, to control a gain, or other RLC-controlled parameter). In someembodiments, electrical circuit 99 generates feedback signal 146 (e.g.,as negative feedback to stabilize the circuit at a given set ofparameters). In some embodiments, motor 140 is also affixed to a setlocation 143 relative to fixed locations 323 and 447. In someembodiments, connecting rod 141 is connected to wiper 322 also using amechanically advantaged linkage such as lever 449. In some embodiments,motor controller 145 produces a non-linear relationship between a valueof signal 146 and the position of moving rod 141 according to somepredetermined function, equation, or look-up table. In the positionconfiguration shown in FIG. 4A, the value of the resistance betweenwiper 322 and left end 324 is relatively low, while the value of theresistance between wiper 322 and right end 325 is relatively high, thevalue of the inductance is relatively low and the value of thecapacitance is relatively high.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of variable resistor-inductor-capacitor 401according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableresistor 320 is set to a second resistance value, variable inductor 230is set to a second inductance value, and variable capacitor 120 is setto a second capacitance value. In the position configuration shown inFIG. 4A, the value of the resistance between wiper 322 and left end 324is relatively high, while the value of the resistance between wiper 322and right end 325 is relatively low, the value of the inductance isrelatively high and the value of the capacitance is relatively low.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a variable resistor-inductor-capacitor 500according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableresistor 503 is set to a first resistance value, variable inductor 502is set to a first inductance value, and variable capacitor 501 is set toa first capacitance value. In some embodiments, one or more of thevariable resistor-inductor-capacitor components 500 are switched to aplurality of discrete values using switches 546 that are controlled bythe motion of connecting rod 141 as it is moved by motor 140 asdescribed above. In some embodiments (not shown here), each switch 546is an elastomeric switch (such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,495,069issued Dec. 17, 2002 to Lussey et al. which is incorporated herein byreference) that avoids transients and sparking by compressing thegranule-filled polymer using the mechanical pressure of the end of leverarm 449 against the polymer material to make the connection to one oranother of the capacitor, inductor, and/or resistors that can thus beselectively switched in or out to circuit 99. In some embodiments, theswitched components includes a switch between an open (infiniteresistance) and a short (zero resistance), or a switch that variouslyconnects different nodes in circuit 99. In some embodiments, theswitched components includes a switch that connects different antennaelements to circuit 99, or selectively switches between two or moreantenna elements connected to one another or disconnected from oneanother.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an entire system 600 according to oneembodiment of the present invention, wherein variable electricalcomponents of circuits 99A and/or 99B (particularly those in the portionlabeled 99A in a remote environment 602) are controlled to values set bycontroller 601. In some embodiments, circuit 99 has two portions, afirst portion 99A that is remote from a second portion 99B. In someembodiments, circuit portion 99A is coupled to circuit portion 99B by atransmission line 119 (having a characteristic impedance Z at a givenoperating frequency or spectrum) such as a coaxial cable. In someembodiments, controller 601 is well outside of the remote environment602 (such as a high magnetic field enclosure, or a broadcast televisionantenna on a tower, or a remote weather sensor) that includes circuitportion 99A and its RLC components controlled by piezo motor 140 and/orits controller rod 141. In other embodiments, both portions 99A and 99Bof circuit 99 (not explicitly labeled as such, but which includes bothcircuit portions 99A and 99B) are in a remote location. In someembodiments, electrical circuit 99B includes a transmitter, a receiver,or both.

One use of the present invention is to balance an RLC circuit whereinthe inductance and/or capacitance parameters of at least a portion ofthe RLC circuit is affected by an external and variable disturbance 66such as weather conditions or a conductive and/or dielectric body (e.g.,such as when the frequency and/or impedance in relation to atransmission-line-signal connection of the circuit must be maintainedfor optimal performance, but the environment changes over time), whereinthe variable disturbance 66 must be accommodated by changing thevariable inductor and/or the variable capacitor. Accordingly, in someembodiments, an impedance-mismatch detector 641 and/or avoltage-standing-wave-ratio (VSWR) detector 642 are used to determinewhether and how to modify the values of the inductance and capacitancein order to rebalance the impedance. For example, if circuit portion 99Ahas a characteristic impedance Z₀, transmission line 641 has the samecharacteristic impedance Z₀, and circuit portion 99B has the samecharacteristic impedance Z₀, then the circuit would be consideredbalanced. In some embodiments, the characteristic RLC values alsodetermine a characteristic frequency F₀ or characteristic Q₀ (thequality of a resonant circuit). If then the variable disturbance 66modifies the characteristic impedance of circuit portion 99A to achanged characteristic impedance Z₀+ΔZ, then impedance-mismatch detector641 and/or a voltage-standing-wave-ratio detector 642 would detect thechange, and they send signal(s) to motor controller 145, which causesmotor 140 to modify the variable portion(s) of capacitance and/orinductance to rebalance the impedances of each portion. If then thevariable disturbance 66 changes and modifies the characteristicfrequency F₀ or characteristic Q₀ of circuit portion 99A (by changing anRLC parameter) combined with circuit portion 99B to a changedcharacteristic frequency F₀+ΔF or characteristic Q₀+ΔQ, then frequencydetector 643 and/or a Q detector (not shown) would detect the change,and they send signal(s) to motor controller 145, which causes motor 140to modify the variable portion(s) of capacitance and/or inductance toreset the frequency and/or Q of each portion.

In some embodiments, each of the components within remote environment602 is made of materials that do not contain combinations of iron,nickel, cobalt, or the like that may be moved (physically displaced) bythe high field, in order that the high field does not move thesecomponents.

In some embodiments, all or the relevant components are in a singlelocation, and the present invention is used to adjust componentparameters to compensate for some environmental change or a change inthe physical surroundings of the circuit that affected any of the RLCparameters. For example, the mere presence of a person or other modality(that might be used to tune some aspect of a circuit) might adverselyaffect a resistance, inductance or capacitance. In those cases, someembodiments of the invention facilitate the adjustment of theresistance, inductance or capacitance values without a person needing tobe in the vicinity. As another example, some circuits may need to betuned to have a certain resistance, inductance and capacitance in thepresence of a person (where a person in the vicinity changes theseparameters by their presence, or due to physical or physiological motion(e.g., breathing, heart beating, gastrointestinal movement, and thelike) by the person), but the position, body composition and size of theperson is unknown and must be compensated for, and some embodiments ofthe invention facilitate the adjustment of the resistance, inductance orcapacitance values to automatically compensate for those characteristicsof the person in the vicinity. In some embodiments, conventionalmagnet-based motors or electric-field based motors themselves would havean undesired effect on the resistance, inductance and capacitance of asensitive circuit (or such motors could themselves be adversely affectedby high magnetic or electric fields), so piezo-electric motors asdescribed herein have the advantage of not interacting (or interactingvery little) with the resistance, inductance and capacitance beingadjusted.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of an impedance-matched high-frequencycircuit 700 according to one embodiment of the present invention, andhaving an external impedance disturbance 66 having a first effect oncircuit 700. In some embodiments, a driver circuit 720 has acharacteristic impedance Z₀ composed of (or modeled by) an equivalentcapacitance 721, equivalent inductance 722, equivalent resistance 723,and ideal voltage source driver 745 (which outputs a voltage signalhaving one or more frequency components and optionally a DC component,but is modeled as having a very high or infinite impedance such that itsimpedance does not affect the circuit). In other embodiments, idealvoltage source driver 745 is replaced by an ideal voltage sensor ortransceiver (transmitter-receiver combination) (having a very high orinfinite impedance such that its impedance does not affect the circuit).Of course, in other embodiments, the parallel connection of equivalentcapacitance 721, equivalent inductance 722, equivalent resistance 723and voltage source 745 can be replaced with a series-wired connection ofa capacitance, inductance, resistance and an ideal current source(and/or ideal current detector, each having zero or negligibleimpedance) that can provide the same characteristic impedance Z₀. Drivercircuit 720 is electrically coupled to a transmission line segment 730(i.e., of transmission line 119 as shown in the other various Figuresherein) also having the characteristic impedance Z₀ at the respectivefrequencies of interest in the signal, and transmission line segment 730is in turn electrically coupled to a tuned circuit 710, which, in someembodiments, includes an equivalent capacitance (that includes a fixedcapacitance component 711 and a variable capacitance component 701 thatcan be tuned as described above for FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C, and FIG.1D), an equivalent inductance (that includes a fixed inductancecomponent 712 and a variable inductance component 702 that can be tunedas described above for FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, FIG. 2D, FIG. 2E, FIG.2F, FIG. 2G, FIG. 2H, FIG. 2 i, FIG. 2J, FIG. 2K, and FIG. 2L, as wellas the inductance of the antenna elements in FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C,FIG. 8D, FIG. 8L and FIG. 8M), and an equivalent resistance (thatincludes a fixed resistance component 713 and a variable resistancecomponent 703 that can be tuned as described above for FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B,FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D). In some embodiments, at least one variable antennaelement 704 is optionally included (e.g., in some embodiments, coupledto the upper nodes of variable capacitor 701, variable inductor 702, andvariable resistor 702, wherein the physical length, position and shapeof one or more antenna elements are varied (such as described in FIGS.8A-8M) under the control of detector-controller 601). In someembodiments, when in the presence of a variable disturbance 66 having afirst characteristic (such as a piece of material, a person, or aweather situation), the capacitance, inductance and/or resistance oftuned circuit 710 are adjusted by varying the variable aspects ofvariable capacitance component 701, variable inductance component 702and variable resistance component 703 using one or more sensing units(such as detectors 641, 642 and 643 of FIG. 6) and one or more motorcontrollers 145 and motors 140. In some embodiments, adetector-controller 601 (which may include circuit and/or microprocessorcomponents, such as described above for FIG. 6) is coupled (e.g., insome embodiments, connected to transmission line 119) to measureelectrical parameters of the signals (e.g., at the left end oftransmission line 119), and based on the measurement(s), to control thevariable parameters (e.g., resistance, inductance, capacitance, antennalength, resonant frequency, impedance at a given frequency, field shape,field direction, field spatial shape, field intensity, and likecharacteristics) in the remote tuned circuit 710.

FIG. 7B is a block diagram of impedance-matched high-frequency circuit700, and having a different external impedance disturbance 66′ having asecond effect on circuit 700. In some embodiments, the present inventionis used to adjust the RLC parameters of variable components 703, 702 and701 in order to rebalance the circuit (in terms of characteristicimpedance, frequency, Q, and/or other factor) in the presence of thechanged external impedance disturbance 66′. In some embodiments, thepresent invention provides the capability to automatically adjust suchparameters in the adjusted tuned circuit 710′ “in real time” (i.e.,quickly as the external impedance disturbance 66′ changes over time).

FIG. 8A is a block diagram of a variable antenna subsystem 801 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable antenna 810is set to a first length. In some embodiments, variable antenna 810includes a plurality of slidingly connected conductor segments (e.g.,concentric metal tubes or a central metal rod and a close-fitting metalsleeve) 812 and 815 (which, in some embodiments, are touching oneanother, and in other embodiments, are separated from one another by adielectric material such as a TEFLON™ tube separator or air), such thatwhen segment 812 is inserted further into segment 815, the antenna getsshorter, and thus the characteristic resonant frequency of antenna 810goes up. In the configuration shown in FIG. 8A, the length of theantenna is resonant at a frequency that is relatively low (i.e., lowerthan when the conductive central 812 is in the position shown in FIG.8B) due to the longer antenna because of the small amount of overlappedlength between central conductor 812 and sleeve conductor 815.

FIG. 8B is a block diagram of variable antenna subsystem 801 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable antenna 810is set to a second length (e.g., by conductive central segment 812 beingpushed a distance into. In the configuration shown in FIG. 8B, thelength of the antenna is resonant at a frequency that is relatively high(i.e., higher than when the conductive core 812 is in the position shownin FIG. 8A) due to the shorter antenna because of the larger amount ofoverlapped length between conductor 812 and conductor 815.

FIG. 8C is a block diagram of a variable antenna array subsystem 802according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableantenna array 820 is set to a first spacing. In some embodiments of theconfiguration shown in FIG. 8C, the phase difference of the signals at agiven frequency between the various antenna segments 825 is relativelylarge (i.e., larger than when the antenna segments 825 are in thepositions shown in FIG. 8D) due to the longer spaces between antennasegments 825. For example, for a phased-array antenna system, the variedphase differences between antenna segments 825 can be used to point theresulting radio beam in different directions. In other embodiments ofthe configuration shown in FIG. 8C, the frequency supported for a given(predetermined) phase difference between the various antenna segments825 is relatively low (i.e., lower than when the antenna segments 825are in the positions shown in FIG. 8D) due to the longer spaces betweenantenna segments 825.

FIG. 8D is a block diagram of variable antenna array subsystem 802according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableantenna array 820 is set to a second spacing. In some embodiments of theconfiguration shown in FIG. 8D, the phase difference of the signals at agiven frequency between the various antenna segments 825 is relativelysmall (i.e., smaller than when the antenna segments 825 are in thepositions shown in FIG. 8C) due to the shorter distances between antennasegments 825. In other embodiments of the configuration shown in FIG.8C, the frequency supported for a given (predetermined) phase differencebetween the various antenna segments 825 is relatively high (i.e.,higher than when the antenna segments 825 are in the positions shown inFIG. 8D) due to the shorter distances between antenna segments 825.

FIG. 8E is a block diagram of a variable antenna array subsystem 803according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableantenna array 830 is set to a first length. In some embodiments,variable antenna array 830 includes a plurality of antenna elements 838each having sliding segments 832 and 835 (e.g., concentric segments thatslide one inside the other, or side-by-side wires clamped to oneanother) or extendable single elements such as described in FIG. 8L andFIG. 8M below. In some embodiments, a fixed base frame 223 holds one endof all the antenna elements and a movable frame 833 holds the oppositeends of all the antenna elements 838, wherein movable frame 833 isattached to connecting rod 141, which is controlled by motor 140, inorder to simultaneously extend or shorten the lengths of a plurality ofantenna elements 838 simultaneously. In some embodiments, each of aplurality of the antenna elements 838 is also individually adjustable inphysical length such as described in FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, FIG. 8D,FIG. 8L, and FIG. 8M, and/or adjustable in electrical length, resonantfrequency, impedance and/or other characteristic (such as controllingthe length(s), direction(s), strength, shape, and/or temporal changes ofthe radio-frequency electromagnetic field) such as described in FIG. 8G,FIG. 8H, FIG. 8 i, FIG. 8J, and/or FIG. 8K. In some embodiments, aplurality of the antenna elements 838 are driven by a transmittedradio-frequency signal (for example, as shown in FIG. 8E, in someembodiments, the two antenna elements 838 that are labeled element 837and element 839 are driven by two different phases of the sametransmitted RF signal (e.g., the signal with zero phase shift can beapplied to element 837 and the same signal but with a ninety-degreephase shift can be applied to element 839, wherein element 837 andelement 839 are physically located ninety degrees from one anotherrelative to a central (left-to-right) horizontal axis of antenna array830; in other embodiments, other phase shifts and corresponding physicalangular displacements can be used). In some such embodiments, each ofthe remaining antenna elements 838 (those other than element 837 and839) are each connected to a respective receiver (such as electricalcircuit 99 configured as a receiver but not shown here) through arespective transmission line (such as transmission line 119 but notshown here), such that the antenna lengths of the transmitting antennaelements 837 and 839 and the passive and/or receiving antenna elements838, can all be adjusted simultaneously, and optionally alsoindividually. In some embodiments, a mechanical linkage is provided(e.g., such as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B) such that each of aplurality of the antenna elements is length-adjusted by a differentamount (e.g., in some embodiments, by adjusting the tilt of movableframe 833 by a lever such as lever 449 connected to pivot 448 connectedto fixed location 447 as shown in FIG. 4A). In some embodiments, aplurality of the antenna elements 838 are each a different lengthrelative to one another (i.e., a first set of lengths applied to the setof antenna elements 838) at this setting of connecting rod 141.

FIG. 8F is a block diagram of variable antenna array subsystem 803according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableantenna array 830 is set to a second length that is different than thefirst length shown in FIG. 8E. As shown in FIG. 8F, the connecting rod141 has been extended to the right, which has shortened each of aplurality of the antenna elements 838 by a respective physical-lengthamount controlled by electrical circuit 99, motor controller 145 andmotor 140. In some embodiments, the plurality of the antenna elements838 are each a different length relative to one another (i.e., a secondset of lengths applied to the set of antenna elements 838 that isdifferent than the first set of lengths shown and described for FIG. 8Eabove) at this setting of connecting rod 141.

FIG. 8G is a block diagram of an antenna array subsystem 806 having oneor more active-variable-antenna element subsystems 804 and/or one ormore passive-variable-antenna element subsystems 805 according to oneembodiment of the present invention, wherein active-variable-antennaelement subsystems 804 is set to a first impedance-frequency value andpassive-variable-antenna element subsystems 805 is set to a secondimpedance-frequency value (in some embodiments, the firstimpedance-frequency value and the second impedance-frequency value areequal to one another). In some embodiments, each active-variable-antennaelement subsystem 804 includes an electrical circuit 99 (e.g., eachelectrical circuit 99 is configured to transmit an RF signal to (and/orreceive an RF signal from) its active-variable-antenna element subsystem804) connected by a transmission line 119 through subsystem 804'sseries-connected variable capacitor 102′ (i.e., the left-hand end oftransmission line 119 is connected to the left-hand node of capacitor102′ of active-variable-antenna element subsystem 804, while theright-hand node of series-connected variable capacitor 102′ of subsystem804 is connected to the right-hand node of parallel-connected variablecapacitor 102 of subsystem 804 and to the right-hand end of variableantenna 801 of subsystem 804) to subsystem 804's parallel-connectedvariable capacitor 102 (i.e., wherein parallel-connected capacitor 102is connected between the right-hand node of series-connected variablecapacitor 102′ and electrical ground 896) and to a point (e.g., to oneend) on subsystem 804's variable antenna element 801.

In some embodiments, each passive-variable-antenna element subsystem 805is not connected to an electrical circuit 99 (in contrast to thepassive-variable-antenna element subsystem(s) 805), but instead (inorder to be otherwise symmetrical and equivalent to theactive-variable-antenna element subsystem(s) 804) may be connected by aterminated transmission line 119′ (e.g., in FIG. 8G, terminatedtransmission line 119′ is shown connected at its right-hand end to amatched terminating resistive impedance 897 to a ground 898) throughsubsystem 805's series-connected variable capacitor 102′ (i.e., theleft-hand end of terminated transmission line 119′ is connected to theleft-hand node of capacitor 102′ of passive-variable-antenna elementsubsystem 805, while the right-hand node of series-connected variablecapacitor 102′ of subsystem 805 is connected to the right-hand node ofparallel-connected variable capacitor 102 of subsystem 805 and to theright-hand end of variable antenna 801 of subsystem 805) to subsystem805's parallel-connected variable capacitor 102 (i.e., whereinparallel-connected capacitor 102 of subsystem 805 is connected betweenthe right-hand node of series-connected variable capacitor 102′ ofsubsystem 805 and electrical ground 896) and to a point (e.g., to oneend) on variable antenna element 801 of subsystem 805. In someembodiments, the impedance of subsystem 805's circuit portion thatincludes antenna 801, parallel-connected capacitor 102 andseries-connected capacitor 102′ together, is matched to the impedance ofterminated transmission line 119′. In other embodiments,series-connected variable capacitor 102′ and terminated transmissionline 119′ are omitted (since they would be matched to the impedance ofsubsystem 805's antenna 801 and parallel-connected capacitor 102, andmotor controller 141′ controls the characteristics of parallel-connectedvariable capacitor 102 of subsystem 805 and of variable antenna 801 ofsubsystem 805 to match the characteristics of the one or moreactive-variable-antenna element subsystems 804.

In some such embodiments, the set of active-variable-antenna elementsubsystems 804 includes one or more elements 810 each connected to an RFtransmitter (e.g., in some embodiments, two elements that are physicallylocated ninety degrees apart are driven by two respective RF signalsthat have phases that are ninety degrees apart from each other) (e.g.,see FIG. 8E). In some embodiments, the set of passive-variable-antennaelement subsystems 805 includes one or more elements 810 each configuredto shape and/or set a direction for the RF electromagnetic field createdby the set of active-variable-antenna element subsystems 804 connectedto the transmitter. In some embodiments, the set ofactive-variable-antenna element subsystems 804 also includes one or moreelements 810 each connected to an RF receiver configured to receive anRF signal from its respective active-variable-antenna element subsystem804. In some embodiments, such a set of active-variable-antenna elementsubsystems 804 configured to receive an RF signal is also part of thesystem used to shape and/or set a direction for the RF electromagneticfield created by the set of active-variable-antenna element subsystems804 connected to the transmitter.

FIG. 8G1 (on the last sheet of Figures) is a circuit diagram of antennaarray subsystem 806 having one or more active-variable-antenna elementsubsystems 804 and/or one or more passive-variable-antenna elementsubsystems 805 according to one embodiment of the present invention(such as shown in FIG. 8G). This is just a circuit diagram of thesubsystem 806 shown in FIG. 8G described above.

In other embodiments, any combination of variable reactance elements(variable resistor elements, variable inductor elements and/or variablecapacitor elements) can be substituted for the variable capacitors 102and 102′ shown in FIG. 8G and FIG. 8G1.

FIG. 8H is a block diagram of variable antenna array subsystem 807according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableantenna array 870 is set to a first dielectric configuration (which canbe used to generally change the impedance, which affects the magnitudeand phase angle of the signal in the RF field). In some suchembodiments, a dielectric material such as a dielectric slug 872 ismoved within the RF field of a plurality of antenna elements 875 and876. Moving the dielectric slug 872 to different positions within thefield of the array of antenna elements 875 and 876 changes the directionand/or shape of the field, and/or changes the resonant frequency and/orimpedance of the antenna elements 875 and 876. In some embodiments, themovement of one or more of such dielectric slugs 872 is used toautomatically adjust for other varying conditions such as the presenceor physical movement of a patient in a magnetic-resonance machine forimaging.

FIG. 8 i is a block diagram of variable antenna array subsystem 807according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variableantenna array 870 is set to a second dielectric configuration. In someembodiments, the automatic movement to this second dielectricconfiguration compensates for the presence or movement of some otherdielectric material (such as a person) in the RF field of the antennaelements 876 and 875.

FIG. 8J is a block diagram of variable antenna array subsystem 808having a reconfigurable dielectric fluid according to one embodiment ofthe present invention, wherein variable antenna array 880 is set to afirst dielectric-fluid configuration. The concept of moving dielectricmaterial (in this case, a dielectric fluid) in variable antenna arraysubsystem 808 of FIG. 8J is similar to the concept of moving dielectricmaterial (in that case, a dielectric solid) in variable antenna arraysubsystem 807 of FIG. 8H and FIG. 8 i, except that subsystem 808 uses apump 880 and tubing 881 to convey one or more volumes of dielectricfluid 882 and/or 883 into and out of (or back-and-forth between)corresponding chambers in the RF field of the plurality of antennaelements 876 and 875. When the dielectric fluid is pumped, a pluralityof different dielectric configurations can be automatically controlledvia circuit 99 and pump controller 885.

Note that the dotted-line enclosure labeled 710 in FIG. 8J and FIG. 8Krepresents the environment in which the components therein are located(e.g., the remote environment labeled 710 in FIG. 7A). In each of theother Figures herein, a similar dotted line can be assumed to designatethe non-magnetic mechanical movement device (e.g., motor 140 or pump880) and the resistor, inductor, capacitor, antenna, dielectric, ormechanical devices that are controlled or varied by the non-magneticmechanical movement device.

FIG. 8K is a block diagram of variable antenna array subsystem 809having a reconfigurable dielectric fluid according to one embodiment ofthe present invention, wherein variable antenna array 890 is set to afirst dielectric-fluid configuration. In some embodiments, subsystem 809is conceptually similar to subsystem 808 of FIG. 8J, except that theshapes of the containers 884, 885 and 886 (e.g., bladders that can befilled or emptied and shaped to compensate for the presence or movementof other dielectric bodies such as a person) are variable (e.g., whenthe dielectric fluid is pumped, a plurality of different dielectricvolume configurations can be automatically controlled via circuit 99 andpump controller 885, and the shape of the containers 884, 885 and 886can be controlled by their inherent shape as manufactured and/or by theshapes they take on due to the presence or movement of a person pressingagainst them).

FIG. 8L is a block diagram of a variable antenna subsystem 811 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable-lengthantenna 891 is set to a first length. In some embodiments,variable-length antenna 891 includes a small-diameter metal spring thatcan be extended from its relaxed state by pulling from connecting rod141 to form an antenna whose length is controlled by motor 140, motorcontroller 145 and electrical circuit 99. In some embodiments, both thephysical length and the electrical inductance of the antenna element 891are varied as its length is extended or shortened by connecting rod 141.

FIG. 8M is a block diagram of a variable antenna subsystem 813 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, wherein variable antenna 893is set to a first length. In some embodiments, a rotary motor 894rotates a spool of metal wire such that a variable length of wire 897extends into a constrained linear shape (e.g., such as constraining thewire 897 to extend or shorten within a glass tube 896 (which in someembodiments, can be straight, or in other embodiments, can be curved toa variety of desired shapes (e.g., curves or spirals) by the shape ofthe tube 896).

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of feedback-controlled system 901 having oneor more variable-resistance, variable inductance, variable capacitance,variable-antenna, variable-mechanical-position or shape robotics,variable-gain, variable-frequency (ω) or variable-wavelength (λ),variable-phase (φ), and like variable-component-value elements in acircuit 920, controlled by a feedback circuit 930 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, system 901includes an input signal 960 that is transmitted to or in a circuit 920in remote environment 910. Output signal 950 is the desired result, andin some embodiments, provides feedback signal 931 to feedback circuit930, which generates a control signal 932 based on the feedback signal931, wherein the control signal 932 is used to control electricallycontrolled non-magnetic mechanical movement devices to vary thevariable-component-value or position or shape elements of circuit 920.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an algorithm todrive the tuning and matching, which includes dual directional couplersthat monitor the forward, V⁺, and reflected, V⁻, voltage at somedistance, l, from the coil. The reflection coefficient, Γ(l), is theratio of the reflected to forward voltage at the dual directionalcouplers.

$\begin{matrix}{{\Gamma(l)} = \frac{V^{-}(l)}{V^{+}(l)}} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 1} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$The reflection coefficient at the coil, Γ(0) is:

$\begin{matrix}{{\Gamma(0)} = \frac{\Gamma(l)}{{\mathbb{e}}^{{- 2}\gamma\; l}}} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 2} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$where γ is the complex propagation constant which takes into account ofthe cable's attenuation and phase constants.The complex impedance of the coil, Z_(C) is:

$\begin{matrix}{Z_{C} = {{Z_{0}\frac{1 + {\Gamma(0)}}{1 - {\Gamma(0)}}} = {R_{C} + {jX}_{C}}}} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 3} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$where Z₀ is the nominal cable impedance (50Ω) and R_(C) and X_(C) thereal and imaginary complex impedance of the coil, respectively. Tuningand matching the coil becomes simple. Tuning occurs by minimizingjX_(C); similarly matching is defined by driving R_(C) to 50Ω.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method 1000 according to some embodiments ofthe invention. In some embodiments, method 1000 starts by selecting 1010one or more (e.g., in some embodiments, a plurality of) criteria (insome embodiments, parameters such as impedance and frequency, in otherembodiments, any other desired condition) to optimize. Next, a circuit(e.g., under control of non-magnetic mechanical movement devices)performs configuring 1011 for excitation (e.g., transmitting to orreceiving from) the remote circuit elements. The next block includesdelivering 1012 the excitation. The next block includes detecting 1014 areceived signal from the remote elements. The next block includeschecking 1015 for satisfactory parameters (e.g., the impedance andfrequency of the signal) of the received signal from the remoteelements. If the result is unsatisfactory, the method then includesadjusting 1017 one or more of the variable reactance elements using thenon-magnetic mechanical movement device(s) and going to block 1011 toiteratively repeat the process 1011 through 1015. If the result ofchecking 1015 is satisfactory, the method goes to performing 1016 theoperation for which the components were adjusted (e.g., obtaining amagnetic resonance result (such as an image).

In some embodiments, the present invention uses a piezo motor such asthe model SQL-3.4 or the SQ-100 series devices available from SquiggleMotors, New Scale Technologies, Rochester, N.Y.(www.newscaletech.com/product_finder.html) or the model NEXACT N-310available from NexLine/NexAct and PILine motors, Physik Instrumente (PI)GmbH & Co. Kg, Karlsruhe, Germany (e.g., a N-310 NEXACT® OEM MiniatureLinear Motor/Actuator, which provides a Compact, High-Speed PiezoWalk®Drive, such as N-310 Actuator with E-861 Servo-Controller (integrateddrive electronics) having a 20 mm standard travel range, a flexiblechoice of the runner length, a compact and cost-effective design, a 0.03nm resolution, up to 10 n push/pull force, a low operating voltage, aself-locking rest position, no head dissipation, nanometer stability,and a non-magnetic and vacuum-compatible working principle, in a compactpackage of only 25×25×12 mm.

(www.physikinstrumente.com/en/products/piezo_motor/linear_motor_selection.php?table=a11).

The present invention provides variable resistors, inductors and/orcapacitors that have their electrical-circuit values controlled by oneor more electrically controlled mechanical positioners. In someembodiments, the electrically controlled mechanical positioners (such aspiezo-electrical linear motors) and other elements that are used to makethe resistors, inductors and/or capacitors include metals that have onlysubstantially non-magnetic components such that the resistors, inductorsand/or capacitors and the mechanical positioner(s) that adjust theirvariable values can be placed and operated within and/or near anextremely high electric field of many thousands of volts (such asconnected to or affecting electricity-transmission lines carryinghundreds of thousands of volts and very large currents), orextremely-high magnetic field such as within the very strongsuperconducting-wire magnets of high-energy particle-physics experiments(such as the Large Hadron Collider) or within magnets of amagnetic-resonance imaging machines, or during and after anelectromagnetic pulse (EMP) from a nuclear event.

In other embodiments, the present invention provides the ability toadjust very sensitive circuits that do not involve high fields, butinstead involve very low fields (such as within completely enclosedFaraday cages (which block low-frequency external fields) that also haveradio-frequency (RF) shielding (which block high-frequency externalfields) that are measuring very small parameters such as extremelylow-voltage circuits where the presence of a person or magnetic motorwould change the field, but use of the piezo-electric positioners andmotors to adjust the configuration of RLC components without modifyingfields or introducing extraneous capacitances or inductances.

Some embodiments of the invention include a method that includesproviding an electrical component, and based on an electrical signal,automatically moving a movable portion of the electrical component inrelation to another portion of the electrical component to vary at leastone of its parameters.

In some embodiments of the method, the moving further comprises movingusing a piezo-electric motor.

In some embodiments of the method, the electrical component includes aninductor, and wherein the at least one of its parameters includes aninductance. In some embodiments of the method, the electrical componentincludes a capacitor, and wherein the at least one of its parametersincludes a capacitance. In some embodiments of the method, theelectrical component includes a resistor, and wherein the at least oneof its parameters includes a resistance.

Some embodiments of the method further include using a programmableinformation-processing device operatively coupled to control the movingof the movable portion of the electrical component in order to vary anelectrical parameter of the electrical component.

Some embodiments of the method further include using an analogfeedback-circuit device operatively coupled to control the moving of themovable portion of the electrical component in order to vary anelectrical parameter of the electrical component.

Some embodiments of the method further include using a feedback signaloperatively coupled to the programmable information-processing device toprovide feedback control in order to maintain the electrical parameterof the electrical component.

Some embodiments of the invention include a computer-readable mediumhaving instructions stored thereon for causing a suitably programmedinformation processor to execute a method that includes controllingmoving of a movable portion of the electrical component in relation toanother portion of the electrical component to vary at least oneelectrical parameter of the electrical component.

In some embodiments of the medium, the method further includes using afeedback signal operatively coupled to the programmableinformation-processing device to provide feedback control in order tomaintain the electrical parameter of the electrical component.

In some embodiments of the medium, the method further includescontrolling resistance, inductance and capacitance (RLC) values of acircuit. In some embodiments of the medium, the method further includescontrolling antenna length, resonant frequency, impedance matchingbetween transmitters, transmission lines and receivers of a signal,and/or shape, direction, and/or amplitude of a static and/or temporallyvarying AC electromagnetic field.

Some embodiments of the invention include an apparatus that includes anon-magnetic positioner, and an electrical component connected to themotor and configured to have at least one of its parameters varied bythe positioner. In some embodiments of the apparatus, the positionercomprises a piezo-electric motor. In some embodiments of the apparatus,the electrical component includes an inductor, and wherein the at leastone of its parameters includes an inductance. In some embodiments of theapparatus, the electrical component includes a capacitor, and whereinthe at least one of its parameters includes a capacitance. In someembodiments of the apparatus, the electrical component includes aresistor, and wherein the at least one of its parameters includes aresistance. Some embodiments further include a programmableinformation-processing device operatively coupled to control thepositioner in order to vary an electrical parameter of the electricalcomponent. Some embodiments further include a feedback circuitoperatively coupled to the programmable information-processing device toprovide feedback control of the positioner in order to maintain theelectrical parameter of the electrical component.

Some embodiments of the invention include an apparatus that includes anelectrical component, and means, as described and shown herein andequivalents thereof, for automatically moving, based on an electricalsignal, a movable portion of the electrical component in relation toanother portion of the electrical component to vary at least one of itsparameters. In some embodiments of the apparatus, the means forautomatically moving further comprises means for automatically movingusing a piezo-electric motor. In some embodiments of the apparatus, theelectrical component includes an inductor, and wherein the at least oneof its parameters includes an inductance. In some embodiments of theapparatus, the electrical component includes a capacitor, and whereinthe at least one of its parameters includes a capacitance. In someembodiments of the apparatus, the electrical component includes aresistor, and wherein the at least one of its parameters includes aresistance. Some embodiments of the apparatus further include aprogrammable information-processing device operatively coupled tocontrol the means for automatically moving of the movable portion of theelectrical component in order to vary an electrical parameter of theelectrical component. Some embodiments of the apparatus further includemeans for automatically controlling using feedback control in order tomaintain the electrical parameter of the electrical component.

In some embodiments, the method of the present invention is executed ona computer at a location remote from a user, and controlled by the useracross the internet. In some embodiments, the method is executed on acomputer at a location remote from the variable electrical components.In some such embodiments, the method is controlled by the computeracross a network.

In some embodiments, the system of the present invention includes one ormore non-magnetic (e.g., piezoelectric) motors adjusted by its ownrespective motor controller(s) and feedback circuit(s) to roboticallymove mechanical parts (levers, hoops, sheets of resilient elasticmaterial, and the like) to achieve robotic control within the high-fieldor sensitive-field environment in which the RLC and/or antenna elementsare adjusted by their own respective motor controllers and feedbackcircuits. In some such embodiments, the system sets an initial set ofparameters (for example, resistance, inductance, capacitance, dielectricshape, frequency, phase, gain/attenuation, temporal properties, spatialproperties (the shape of magnetic or electric fields), pulse width,mechanical position and orientation, or other controlled parameter) anda feedback circuit senses the result (one or more characteristics orparameters) and automatically adjusts the components (for example,variable resistors, inductors, capacitors, antennas, dielectric shapes,mechanical positioners and the like) in the system to compensate orcontrol the system to achieve a desired result (e.g., a radar signal,magnetic-resonance or electron-spin image, or other desired systemoutput).

In some embodiments, the one or more non-magnetic (e.g., piezoelectric)motors actuate control over electrical switches, amplitude modulators,frequency controllers, phase controllers, gain controllers, frequencymodulators and the like by using, for example, control of variableresistor(s), inductor(s), capacitor(s), antenna(s), dielectric shape(s),mechanical positioner(s) and the like.

In some embodiments, the system uses non-magnetic (e.g., piezoelectric)motors (or other mechanical-movement devices) that include linearactuators, rotary actuators, pumps (pneumatic (pressure or vacuum)and/or liquid pumps) and/or the like. In some embodiments, the systemoptionally includes non-magnetic sensors (e.g., using piezoelectric orother suitable technologies) that include linear strain gauges, rotarysensors, pressure or sound sensors (e.g., pneumatic (pressure or vacuum)and/or liquid), position sensors, light and image sensors, voltage orcurrent sensors, and/or the like. In some embodiments, such actuatorelements and/or sensor elements are used for remotely controlled roboticdiagnosis and examination, surgery, biopsy, and the like in a medicalenvironment (such as a magnetic-resonance machine).

In some embodiments, the present invention includes one or more of anyone or more of the devices in any of the figures herein in a combinedcircuit that connects the described variable components, optionallyincluding other conventional components.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. Although numerous characteristics andadvantages of various embodiments as described herein have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of various embodiments, many other embodimentsand changes to details will be apparent to those of skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention shouldbe, therefore, determined with reference to the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Inthe appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used asthe plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and“wherein,” respectively. Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and“third,” etc., are used merely as labels, and are not intended to imposenumerical requirements on their objects.

1. A method comprising: providing an electrical component having acharacteristic impedance at a first frequency; and based on anelectrical feedback signal, automatically moving, using a non-magneticmechanical-movement device, a movable portion of the electricalcomponent in relation to another portion of the electrical component toadjust the characteristic impedance at the first frequency.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the moving using the non-magneticmechanical-movement device comprises moving using a piezo-electricmotor.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical componentcomprises an inductor, and wherein the at least one of its parametersincludes an inductance.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the electricalcomponent comprises a capacitor, and wherein the at least one of itsparameters includes a capacitance.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein theelectrical component comprises a resistor, and wherein the at least oneof its parameters includes a resistance.
 6. The method of claim 1,further comprising using a programmable information-processing deviceoperatively coupled to control the moving of the movable portion of theelectrical component in order to vary an electrical parameter of theelectrical component.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising usinga feedback signal operatively coupled to the programmableinformation-processing device to provide feedback control in order tomaintain the electrical parameter of the electrical component.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the electrical component comprises an antennaelement, and wherein the automatically moving, using a non-magneticmechanical-movement device includes adjusting an electrical length ofthe antenna element.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the electricalcomponent comprises a plurality of antenna elements, and wherein theautomatically moving, using a non-magnetic mechanical-movement deviceincludes adjusting a resonant frequency and a characteristic impedanceof the plurality of antenna elements at the resonant frequency.
 10. Anapparatus comprising: a non-magnetic mechanical-movement device; afeedback controller; and an electrical component, characterized by aplurality of electrical parameters, connected to the non-magneticmechanical-movement device, and configured to have at least one of theplurality of electrical parameters automatically varied by thenon-magnetic mechanical-movement device under control of the feedbackcontroller.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the non-magneticmechanical-movement device comprises a piezo-electric motor.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the electrical component comprises aninductor, and wherein the at least one of the plurality of electricalparameters includes an inductance.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the electrical component comprises a capacitor, and wherein theat least one of the plurality of electrical parameters includes acapacitance.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the electricalcomponent comprises a resistor, and wherein the at least one of theplurality of electrical parameters includes a resistance.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 10, further comprising a programmableinformation-processing device operatively coupled to control thenon-magnetic mechanical-movement device in order to vary at least one ofthe plurality of electrical parameters of the electrical component. 16.The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a feedback circuitoperatively coupled to the programmable information-processing device toprovide feedback control of the positioner in order to maintain theelectrical parameter of the electrical component.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 10, further comprising a computer-readable medium havinginstructions stored thereon for causing a suitably programmedinformation processor to execute a method that includes: autocontrollingthe non-magnetic mechanical-movement device to move a movable portion ofthe electrical component in relation to another portion of theelectrical component to vary at least one of the plurality of electricalparameters of the electrical component.
 18. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions storedthereon to cause the method to further comprise using a feedback signaloperatively coupled to the programmable information-processing device toprovide feedback control in order to maintain the at least one of theplurality of electrical parameters of the electrical component.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the computer-readable medium includesinstructions stored thereon to cause the method to further comprisecontrolling a resonant frequency and a characteristic impedance of acircuit that includes the electrical component.
 20. An apparatuscomprising: means for adjusting a characteristic impedance of anelectrical component at a first frequency; and non-magneticmechanical-movement means for automatically moving, based on anelectrical signal, a movable portion of the electrical component inrelation to another portion of the electrical component to vary at leastone of its parameters and thereby control the means for adjusting thecharacteristic impedance at the first frequency.
 21. The apparatus ofclaim 20, wherein the non-magnetic mechanical-movement means forautomatically moving further comprises a piezo-electric motor.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 20, further comprising a programmableinformation-processing device operatively coupled to control the meansfor automatically moving of the movable portion of the electricalcomponent in order to vary an electrical parameter of the electricalcomponent.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising means forautomatically controlling using feedback control in order to maintainthe electrical parameter of the electrical component.
 24. A methodcomprising: providing an electrical component that includes a firstantenna element having an adjustable resonant frequency; and based on anelectrical signal, automatically moving, using a non-magneticmechanical-movement device, a movable portion of the electricalcomponent in relation to another portion of the electrical component tovary the adjustable resonant frequency.
 25. The method of claim 24,wherein the electrical signal is a feedback signal, and wherein themoving using the non-magnetic mechanical-movement device comprisesmoving using a piezo-electric motor.
 26. The method of claim 24, whereinthe electrical component has an adjustable inductance, and wherein theautomatically moving, using the non-magnetic mechanical-movement device,a movable portion of the electrical component in relation to anotherportion of the electrical component, varies the adjustable inductance.27. The method of claim 24, wherein the electrical component comprises acapacitor, and wherein the automatically moving, using the non-magneticmechanical-movement device, moves a movable portion of the capacitor inrelation to another portion of the capacitor and thus varies acapacitance.